Black & Decker POWERSERIES Pro Cordless Vacuum, 2 In 1, Blue

First impressions and setup

I didn’t expect a cordless to change how I tackle stairs and overhead spots, but the PowerSeries Pro did. Out of the box, setup was painless: click the floor head onto the stick, slot in the canister, charge the 20V lithium-ion battery, and you’re in business. The build feels sturdier than many budget sticks, with a low-profile floor head that slides under couches and a swiveling neck that’s nimble enough for tight turns. At 11.5 lb, it’s not the lightest stick vacuum; that said, the weight is balanced and becomes a non-issue in handheld mode.

The touchscreen is a nice surprise on a tool in this class. I can toggle cleaning modes and the LED light with a tap, and the on-board indicators—BATTERYSENSE for charge level and FILTERSENSE for filter status—are genuinely useful. No deciphering blinking codes required.

Cleaning performance

On mixed floors, the PowerSeries Pro is steady and predictable. AUTOSENSE automatically adjusts suction when I roll from hard floors to area rugs, and it works as advertised. On hardwood and tile, pickup is excellent for dust, grit, and pet hair, with the LED light exposing the stuff you’d otherwise miss along baseboards. On low and medium pile carpets, it lifts everyday debris with confidence and grooms the nap nicely. On thick shag, I had to slow down and occasionally kick the suction up manually for stubborn debris, which is typical for a 20V cordless.

Edge cleaning is good, though not perfect; crumbs along toe-kicks often require a pass with the crevice tool. The brush bar is easy to remove, so clearing wrapped hair takes seconds—no wrestling with scissors. I also appreciate the low profile: it glides under coffee tables and radiators where bulkier heads stall out.

Noise is on par with most cordless sticks—audible but not harsh. On Auto and lower speeds, I can hold a conversation; on high, it’s a typical vacuum roar.

Battery life and charging

Battery life will depend on how aggressively you clean and which mode you use. The headline “up to 60 minutes” applies to the canister-only, low-speed configuration; in real use on mixed floors with Auto mode, I can cover routine messes in my main living spaces on a single charge. Deep cleans on high drain the pack faster, as expected. The charger is a simple jack plug and a full refill takes around six hours. That’s on the longer side, so I’ve gotten into the habit of docking it after a session so it’s ready the next day.

If you live in a small to medium home, the battery will likely be sufficient for whole-space touch-ups. Larger homes or all-carpet spaces may push you to split cleaning over two sessions or top off in between.

Dust management and filtration

The dustbin is generous for a stick vacuum at 1.5 liters, and the built-in dust compactor really does let you go longer between empties by compressing debris into a tighter puck. The trade-off is that when it’s time to empty, compressed clumps sometimes need a gentle tap to drop free—no big deal, but something to be aware of if you’re used to flip-and-dump bins.

The washable filter is a cost saver and easy to maintain. FILTERSENSE nudges me when performance dips and the filter needs attention. My routine: quick tap-out outdoors weekly, a wash every few weeks, and a full 24-hour air-dry before reinstalling to protect the motor. Replacement parts are straightforward—the included filter kit is CUABF10, and replacements are CUASF10.

Handheld and above-floor versatility

This is where the PowerSeries Pro separates itself. With a click, the canister detaches to become a handheld unit, and Black+Decker includes a compact set of tools that cover most tasks:

• 3-in-1 accessory with a 6-inch nozzle, crevice tool, and upholstery brush
• Extension wand plus a 4-foot hose for overhead reach

In handheld mode, the tool feels much lighter, and the hose/wand combo is excellent for ceiling corners, window sills, and the top edges of cabinets. I also used it for a quick car cleanout; the crevice tool gets between console and seats, and the upholstery brush handled fabric seats without snagging. The LED light helps in dim spaces like stairwells and under car seats, and it’s easy to toggle on only when needed.

Controls and usability

The touchscreen is simple and responsive, with distinct icons for speed and the headlight. I like that the system gives me information (battery and filter alerts) rather than just a low-battery flash at the end. Swivel steering is smooth without feeling twitchy, and the vacuum tracks straight when I want it to. The low-profile head and the ability to lay nearly flat to the floor let me reach under beds and sofas without moving furniture.

One small quirk: touch controls can be a bit sensitive if I brush them while repositioning the vacuum. It’s a minor learning curve—hold the handle a tad higher and it disappears.

Maintenance and reliability

Routine maintenance is straightforward. The brush bar pops out for hair removal; the filter washes clean; and the dustbin rinses without trapping odors. I appreciate the washable design because it keeps ongoing costs down. There’s a 2-year limited warranty, which is competitive for the category, and the components that wear—filters and brush bar—are user-serviceable.

What could be better

• Weight: At 11.5 lb, the full stick is heavier than some ultra-light competitors. It’s well balanced, but if you’re prioritizing one-handed, overhead stick use in stick mode rather than handheld, you’ll notice the heft.
• Charge time: Six hours is long. If you forget to plug in after a session, you might be waiting. A faster charger or a removable battery option would extend appeal for larger homes.
• Thick carpet performance: It keeps up on thick rugs but, like most 20V sticks, it’s more about everyday pickup than deep extraction. If your home is wall-to-wall high-pile, you may want a corded backup for seasonal deep cleans.

Who it’s for

• Households with mixed flooring that want a genuinely useful handheld mode for stairs, cars, and above-floor dusting.
• Pet owners and busy families who value quick, frequent cleanups and a big dustbin that doesn’t need constant emptying.
• Anyone who appreciates simple maintenance: washable filter, easy brush roll access, and clear system alerts.

Practical tips

• Let AUTO do the work on mixed floors; bump to high only for stubborn spots to preserve battery.
• Tap out the filter weekly and wash monthly; always let it dry for a full day before reinstalling.
• Use the dust compactor to extend bin capacity, then empty before it’s jam-packed to keep disposal mess-free.
• Keep the 3-in-1 tool clipped nearby and pair with the hose for baseboards, vents, and car interiors.

Bottom line and recommendation

The PowerSeries Pro is a versatile, thoughtfully designed cordless that prioritizes everyday usability: easy maintenance, clear system feedback, a large dustbin with compaction, and a truly practical handheld configuration with hose and wand for above-floor cleaning. It excels on hard floors and holds its own on low and medium pile carpets. The trade-offs—heft compared to ultra-light sticks and a long charge time—are worth noting, but they don’t overshadow the overall experience.

I recommend the PowerSeries Pro for small to medium homes with mixed flooring, pet hair, and frequent light-to-moderate messes. It’s an adaptable, no-drama cleaning tool that makes quick work of daily cleanup and reaches the places many sticks don’t—under furniture, up high, and out to the car—without adding complexity or ongoing costs. If you need heavy-duty, deep carpet extraction in a single pass or you routinely clean very large spaces in one go, a higher-voltage cordless or a corded upright may suit you better. For everyone else, this is a capable, well-rounded pick that’s easy to live with.